Revolutionary Flexible Dual-Band Electrochromic Window Enhances Energy Efficiency and Storage

by Simon Mansfield

Sydney, Australia (SPX) Feb 20, 2025

With buildings responsible for nearly 40% of global energy consumption, and a substantial portion of that used for heating and cooling, improving energy efficiency remains a crucial goal. Windows are a major source of energy loss, contributing between 20-40% of overall thermal exchange. Addressing this challenge, a team of researchers from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, led by Prof. Shengliang Zhang, has developed a cutting-edge flexible dual-band electrochromic window that integrates energy storage, significantly improving energy efficiency in buildings.

This advanced smart window technology allows precise control over visible light and near-infrared (NIR) radiation, reducing building energy use by up to 20% compared to traditional windows. The innovation is based on a W18O49 nanowire structure, enabling superior optical modulation across both the visible (73.1%) and NIR (85.3%) spectrums. Furthermore, the device demonstrates remarkable durability, retaining 96.7% of its capacity even after 10,000 cycles, and an energy recovery efficiency of 51.4%, where power used during the coloration process is partially reclaimed.

EnergyPlus simulations confirm that this dual-band electrochromic device (DBED) outperforms conventional low-emissivity glass in diverse climate conditions worldwide. By selectively modulating light and heat transmission, it minimizes energy demand for indoor climate control, offering significant energy savings and enhanced thermal comfort.

Beyond its efficiency benefits, the DBED technology is both flexible and scalable, making it suitable for large-scale architectural applications. Researchers have successfully demonstrated that the device can be manufactured in larger formats without sacrificing performance, paving the way for broader adoption in energy-efficient buildings.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain in terms of large-scale manufacturing and cost-effectiveness. Future efforts will focus on improving material stability and integrating this electrochromic technology seamlessly into existing infrastructure. Additionally, optimizing production processes for mass-market deployment could accelerate the adoption of these next-generation smart windows.

This breakthrough in electrochromic technology presents an exciting step toward the future of intelligent architecture. By merging energy efficiency, adaptability, and energy storage capabilities, this innovation could establish new benchmarks for sustainable building solutions, contributing to a more energy-conscious global infrastructure.

Research Report:An Efficient and Flexible Bifunctional Dual-Band Electrochromic Device Integrating with Energy Storage

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